OKLAHOMA, HERE THEY COME!

RATHANGAN VARIETY GROUP STAGE ‘OKLAHOMA!’ IN LOCAL HALL

RATHANGAN Variety Group are preparing to stage a production of the popular musical Oklahoma! for four nights from this Wednesday, February 22 to Saturday, February 25 at 8pm nightly in the local hall.

Thursday and Friday night are already sold out but tickets are still available for Wednesday and Saturday night of the show directed by Alan Corcoran with musical director Fintan Cleary and choreographer Emma Molloy of the Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts.

The leading role of Curly McClain is taken by Steve Schokman with Siobhán Murphy as Laurey; Brian Mullens as Will Parker; Noeleen Jones as Ado Annie; Colm Doyle in the role of Ali Hakim; Carol Daly playing Gertie Cummins; Willie Considine playing Andrew Carnes and Margaret Gurhy in the role of Aunt Eller.

‘We have a cast and crew of about 45 people and everyone multi-tasks with the members appearing on stage also involved in making costumes, sets and props. It’s a big community effort,’ said chairperson Rose Walsh.

Rathangan Variety Group has been in existing for 17 years and has staged several productions over the years including Oliver, Annie, Bugsy Malone, The Sound of Music and Calamity Jane.

‘People love the classic shows. We get very good audiences for them. We got standing ovations for Calamity Jane last year,’ said Rose, revealing that Rathangan has obtained the rights to Sister Act for next year.

The chorus in action in the final scene.

Brian Mullen as Will, Mags Gurhy as Aunt Eller and Colm Doyle as Ali Hakim.

Brian Mullen as Will, Colm Doyle as Ali Hakim and Noeleen Jones as Ado Annie.

Bill Brennan as Jud Fry and Siobhan Murphy as Laurey.